1. Religion 08

2.  Prayer ◦ Although we are constantly called to prayer, during Lent we wish to commit even more to this practice. ◦ Includes formal prayer (say the rosary), silent individual prayer (intercessions), and meditation (reading from the Bible)  Alms giving ◦ We give our time/resources to reach out to someone else  Sacrifice ◦ Give up one’s self or possessions ◦ Fasting (especially Ash Wednesday and Good Friday)

3.  Ashes ◦ Mortality, sorrow, and penance ◦ Repentance (turning away from sin and evil)  Cross ◦ Crucifixion ◦ Suffering and pain ◦ Sacrifice of Jesus. Death brings salvation  Thorns ◦ Suffering and pain ◦ Crown of Jesus

4.  Violet – suffering and sorrow  White – purity and glory  Green – growth and hope of eternal life  Pink or rose – joy  Bare branch – symbolizes Jesus death on a wooden cross  Palms – represent the palm branches thrown down in the path of Jesus by the people of Jerusalem as he entered. Sign of honor.

5.  Palm Sunday – Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. People welcomed him  Holy Thursday – The Last Supper. Oils are blessed.  Good Friday – The Passion of Jesus. The crucifixion. We make a sign of the cross  Holy Saturday – Altars are bare. Everyone in the church lights a candle, dispels darkness.  Easter Sunday – New life and fresh hope come in the risen Christ. Renew baptisimal promises.

6.  Pontius Pilate was attempting to determine what Jesus’ crime was.  Pilate was asking Jesus questions:  “You claim to be the Son of God?”  “It is YOU who says this”.  “So you ARE a king then?”  “If my kingdom were from this world, then my people would be fighting to have me freed. But my kingdom is not from here.”  Pilate was somewhat afraid of Jesus, but did not see any need to have him put to death.  Pilate to Jewish people: “I find no case against Him. Take him yourselves and judge Him”.  “We are not allowed to put anyone to death.”